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Discussion » Questions » Language » Do you know any hand signs and gestures or words that are universal?

Do you know any hand signs and gestures or words that are universal?

Posted - January 8, 2020

Responses


  • 8214
    Two Hands Forming Heart Shape Stock Photo | Getty Images
      January 8, 2020 2:05 PM MST
    4

  • 44600
    I never saw that one. I heart you too.
      January 8, 2020 3:10 PM MST
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  • 11100
    I know the universal hand signal for do you want to go smoke a doobie. Cheers! This post was edited by Nanoose at January 8, 2020 4:37 PM MST
      January 8, 2020 2:20 PM MST
    3

  • 64
    No
      January 8, 2020 3:11 PM MST
    1

  • 1152
    The picture in your question is racist...


    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ok-sign-white-power-supremacy-alt-right-4chan-trolling-hoax-a9249846.html


    Note: the above answer was A JOKE


    Although the problem of the "OK" sign being co-opted by the White Supremacist right is an issue...
      January 8, 2020 3:21 PM MST
    2

  • 4624
    Know? No.

    I think some gestures tend to be very widespread, but I don't think any are universal.
    Variations of empty-handedness often signify a greeting with the undertone, "I'm here peacefully; I carry no weapon."

    I doubt if any languages have any words with universally equal meanings.
    Related languages carry similarities in their roots, but the more foreign the language the less similarity.
    Linguists agree that the relationship between an object, the word it is called by and what it signifies is arbitrary.
    One exception may be the word "ma" for mother. It is thought by some linguists to be fairly close to universal, perhaps because it tends to be one of the first word-like sounds a baby makes.
      January 8, 2020 3:26 PM MST
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  •   January 8, 2020 3:50 PM MST
    5

  • 10026
    Hi Twink :)  We were kind of thinking on the same line.
    It's those playful, facial, parts.
    :) :) 
      January 8, 2020 4:05 PM MST
    3

  • 2836
    Don't stick it out unless you intend to use it.


    This post was edited by Jon at January 9, 2020 10:18 AM MST
      January 8, 2020 4:42 PM MST
    2

  • 10026



    ?

      January 8, 2020 4:01 PM MST
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  •   January 8, 2020 4:11 PM MST
    2

  • 10026
    BBBbzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!  You're drillin' me with laughter over here!!!

    This kid's got the right idea!!

    :) :)!

      January 8, 2020 4:20 PM MST
    1

  • 34239
    Thumbs up. 
      January 8, 2020 4:12 PM MST
    4

  • 34239
    A hand wave. 
      January 8, 2020 4:25 PM MST
    4

  • 2836
    I am surprised no one has mentioned this. We are all adults here, right?
    I'm presenting my answer in the spirit of academia and in response to this post...



      January 8, 2020 4:40 PM MST
    3

  • 46117
    I bet that means I love you in Swahili.
      January 8, 2020 7:16 PM MST
    2

  • 46117
    If you are orange and have a giant fat face and you point, it means universally, that you are stupid and totally without any moral compass whatsoever.  

    And you probably just crapped your pants too.
    man wearing Donald Trump mask standing in front of White House

      January 8, 2020 7:18 PM MST
    2